Unsigned Senior Spotlight: C Matthew Menendez

The 2018 Future Games participant continues to show his overall potential. Defensively, the hands work and is an above average receiver. He has continued to grow and as he grows into the frame and strength the footwork and arm should continue to improve as he had pop times in the 2.19-2.26 range. Offensively, He uses a leg kick trigger and clears his backside well. He can cut himself off at times diving with the top half, but when he stays tall and lets his hands work there is present bat speed and better use of his strength. Overall, the tools are there and should continue to see an uptick as he adds strength.

2018 Future Games participant showed his more accustomed and improved pop times in 2.11-2.2 range. He has solid defensive actions. Offensively, he continues to show present strength and power potential. His bat is his best tool and will continue to carry him as the power develops.

Uncommitted, standing at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds he has a strong frame. Defensively, he moves well behind the plate. The wrists are strong and showed an above average ability to receive. Pop times were not what they have been in the past at 2.2-2.4, but has carry on the throws and tools to be an above average defender. Offensively, he has a wide, strong base. Drove a double to center in the first game and there is power potential. Overall, has present tools, above average defensive potential and power potential. 

Uncommitted. Lean build with room to add strength currently standing at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. Offensively, he looks to get the hands extended and flashes power to pull side when he squares it up. Can drive it with authority. Look for Menendez to see an overall jump at the plate as he continues to add to his frame which should see a jump in power. Registered an exit velocity of 91 mph in the cage. Behind the plate the hands work and transfers quickly with throws to the bag that topped out at 75 mph. Clocked in at 8.08 seconds for his 60 yard dash time. 

Uncommitted. Stands at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds with a lean, athletic build. Offensively, he starts from a wide base with a big leg kick for timing. At times he can get a little long with his swing, but when he stays direct to the ball and in rhythm, he was able to drive the ball into the gaps. As he begins to add to his frame and mature, Menendez should see a jump in power at the plate. Behind the plate, Menedez showed solid hands and looked to receive the ball out in front with a quick transfer.

6-foot, 175 pound catcher has a projectable frame and a very young face. Defensively, there is a lot to like. He is flexible and the hands work, receiving well. It will continue to improve as he learns to get in better, stronger receiving positions, to allow him to utilize his hands. Pop times were 2.1-2.2 on the day as he was rushed. When he trusts his footwork, transfer and strong arm which topped out at 75 mph, the pop time have been in the 1.95 range. The is a lot of upside offensively as well. He stands tall with a lot of quality pre-swing rhythm and uses a leg kick trigger. His hands aren’t static, but could benefit with separation. He shows loose wrists and present bal speed, with present bat to ball skills. Translated to an opposite field RBI double. High upside and high follow moving forward.

6-foot, 170-pound lean, athletic catcher showed a lot of quick twitch defensive ability. His hands work and will continue to improve as he gets in better positions. He has quick feet, transfer and a strong arm resulting in a 1.90 pop time. Offensively, the right handed hitter has a small leg lift and stride trigger, He tends to come out of his lower half and create length in the path. There is present strength, but the bat will continue to improve as he learns to use his strong lower half and become shorter to the ball.